She looks nothing like Gandhi, is nowhere near as old as Buddha, and hangs around with the likes of Bill Gates and Bill Clinton. But no matter where she draws her inspiration, there's no doubt that Alison Lawton is living life large in every sense of the word. Describing herself as a "social entrepreneur" and "venture philanthropist", this lady of great means has shown the world nothing but kindness. She is the creator of Mindset Media - a socially conscious media company that received great praise recently for producing the film "Uganda Rising". Today, she is the Chair of the Unite for Children Unite Against Aids Campaign for UNICEF Canada. She hosted the Unite with Art gala at the Rocky Mountaineer Station this past Saturday in support of children around the world. Also this week, at the Sutton Place hotel, the star-studded La Dolce Vita gala and auction dinner took place in support of the Whistler Film Festival Society. And the Chianti was flowing in Kits as the Glowbal Group opened the doors on Trattoria Italian Kitchen at 4th and Burrard - a kissing cousin to its successful original Italian Kitchen location at Burrard and Alberni. Ciao Bella!
Catherine Barr, Vancouver's celebrity events reporter and photographer, is supported online by CLR Communications Ltd, westvancouver.com , northvancouver.com and vancouverview.com
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Italian Kitchen's bella fellas are looking to cast a little magic in Kits with their second location. From left: managing partner Owen Louis, president Emad Yacoub and exec sous chef Erik Heck. |
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It's champagne in the cucina for Urban Rush host Fiona Forbes, left, and Open Sundaes owner Mashiah Vaughn at Italian Kitchen in Kits. |
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She's got brains, beauty and the ability to move mountains. Alison Lawton's work with UNICEF and AIDS/HIV has gained worldwide attention from former world leaders and celebrities. |
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Artist Gabryel Harrison, right, and partner Swan are thrilled as her art piece, which features gold leaf and a braille poem, is sold for $25,000 at the UNICEF gala. |
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Supporting UNICEF are Rachel Mantel, Jason Soprovich and wife Monica. |
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Unite with Art UNICEF gala executive director Julie Lee celebrates with featured artists James Nizam, left, Adam Dodd and Eben Bender. |
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Vicky Ainley, of Vino Allegro Wine Imports, provides the libations for the UNICEF gala. |
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Actors Richard Deklerk and Sonja Bennett, left, join director and festival past president Carl Bessai as the Whistler Film Fest gala begins. |
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Whistler Film Festival co-founder Kasi Lubin, left, guest Erin Marof and sponsor Tegan Ross-Kelly at the Whistler Film Fest gala. |
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Award-winning local actress/comedienne Ellie Harvey and hubby Rob Ward, seen here at Whistler Film Fest gala, are still enjoying their main role as parents to a beautiful new baby boy. |
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